SHILLONG, May 8: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Thursday demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, following the allegation that he provided financial support to the banned militant group, Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
The Congress also demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the case by an independent authority.
The banned outfit had recently claimed that Dhar had funded them during his tenure as a minister in the previous Congress government.
“We believe he (Dhar) should step down from his ministerial position to ensure transparency and prevent any political interference in the inquiry. He should not remain in office while the investigation is ongoing,” MPCC secretary Manuel Badwar told reporters.
He emphasised the Congress party’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and rule of law.
He condemned any involvement in illegal or anti-national activities in the strongest terms, stating that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Badwar assured that the Congress will fully cooperate with the authorities. He said the party has full confidence in the legal process.
Reiterating the seriousness of the allegation, Badwar insisted that Dhar must resign. “This is a very serious accusation with anti-national implications,” he said.
He clarified that the Congress is in no way connected to the matter.
“We urge the authorities to handle this case with diligence and ensure it reaches a logical conclusion. As far as the Congress is concerned, we are not involved. We will never be involved in such activities,” Badwar concluded.
Cong not to join all-party committee on railways
The Congress announced that it will not join the All Party Committee on Railways formed by the NPP-led MDA government.
Earlier, the Voice of the People Party also declined to be a part of the committee. In a letter to the Chief Secretary, the party had stated that it would consider joining the committee only if the government first takes up an anti-influx mechanism.
Badwar criticised the formation of the committee as a superficial move.
“Did the government form an all-party committee when it had decided on casinos or border issues?” he asked.
The Congress leader accused the government of selectively involving parties based on convenience.
“You can’t just pick and choose agendas to appear inclusive. That’s not acceptable,” he said.
He pointed out that the government, having received a public mandate, should take responsibility for its decisions.
“Now, when they’re stuck and can’t proceed, they want to bring everyone on board to share the blame,” Badwar said.
“We’ll play our role as the Opposition and hold them accountable,” he added.
